1 hr ago
Security Forces Say LoRa Radios Pose New Kashmir Challenge
Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir say some militants have been using LoRa radios.
These radios do not need a SIM card, mobile tower or Wi-Fi.
The article says the devices can pass messages from one radio to another.
They may also send location information and emergency alerts.
One device was reportedly found after an encounter in Budgam on September 29.
Other LoRa sets were reportedly recovered during Operation Mahadev.
Officials say they are adjusting equipment to detect and disrupt these radio signals.
The article attributes claims about the devices’ origin and encryption to security sources.
The article reports that security forces recovered LoRa devices from militants killed in encounters in Jammu and Kashmir.
A LoRa Ultra device was reportedly found near Lashkar-e-Taiba commander Mohammad Asif after an encounter in Budgam on September 29.
Officials describe the devices as encrypted, SIM-free radios that can relay messages between handsets.
The article says LoRa devices can transmit text, GPS coordinates and SOS alerts over 10–15 kilometres in forest terrain.
Security forces say they have recalibrated spectrum scanners and jammers to target LoRa frequencies in South Kashmir.
- Who
- Security forces and militants, including Lashkar-e-Taiba commander Mohammad Asif.
- What
- Security forces reported recovering LoRa communication devices and adapting equipment to detect their signals.
- Where
- Budgam and forest areas between Dachigam and Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir.
- When
- One reported recovery occurred on September 29; the article does not specify the year.
- Why
- Officials say the radios let militants communicate without relying on mobile networks, making them harder to track.
Key facts
- Technology
- LoRa, described in the article as long-range, low-power radio communication.
- Reported range
- 10–15 kilometres in forest terrain, according to the article.
- Reported device
- A black LoRa Ultra handset was reportedly found near Mohammad Asif.
- Recovery location
- Gurwatkalan, Budgam.
- Other operation
- Multiple encrypted LoRa sets and SIM-less burner phones were reportedly found during Operation Mahadev.
- Agency cited
- The National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO) is said to have conducted forensic analysis.
- Security response
- Officials say spectrum scanners and jammers have been recalibrated for LoRa frequencies in South Kashmir’s forest belts.
Quotes
Senior security force officer
An unnamed senior security force officer describing the security response.
“These are not ordinary walkie-talkies. These are encrypted, mesh-based radios. Each handset acts as a tower itself. No SIM card, no recharge, no location ping.”
NDTV
“The game has changed from chasing SIM cards to hunting silent radios. And we are hunting them down.”
NDTV
Sources
Related news
India Says Pakistani Drones Target Transit Corridors With Weapons
Terror groups use dead drops to funnel contraband into India
NIA Court Issues Warrant for Pahalgam Attack Mastermind
Intelligence-led operation kills wanted LeT terrorist Hashim Moosa in Budgam
Three-Month Hunt Ends With Killing of LeT Terrorist
Security Forces Kill Last Lashkar Operative Linked to Pahalgam
Farooq Abdullah Calls for Review of Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Policy
Recovered Forest Supplies Deepen Probe Into Slain LeT Commander's Network
Mehbooba Mufti Says 14,000 Youth Cases Withdrawn During PDP-BJP Rule
Farooq Abdullah Blames Nehru-Era Mistake for Election Commission Interference
